Obama & Christie: A Sandy love story

President Barack Obama and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie cemented their new-found mutual admiration society on Wednesday, as the men gushed with praise for one another while touring damage from Hurricane Sandy on the devastated Jersey Shore.

After days of effusive comments from Christie — who’s been a top Mitt Romney surrogate throughout the campaign — the president wasted no time returning the favor.

“At the top of my list, I have to say that Gov. Christie throughout this process has been responsive. He’s been aggressive in making sure that the state got out in front of this incredible storm and I think the people of New Jersey recognize that he has put his heart and soul into making sure the people of New Jersey bounce back even stronger than before,” Obama said as he stood alongside Christie during a brief press statement Wednesday afternoon near a largely destroyed marina. “So, I just want to thank him for his extraordinary leadership and partnership.”

“We are here for you and we will not forget, we will follow up to make sure you get all the help you need until you rebuild,” Obama added.

During the press statement and and earlier appearance at a nearby storm shelter, Christie publicly thanked Obama at least six times for his dedication to getting help and supplies to the Garden State.

”I’m pleased to report that he has sprung into action to help get us those things immediately,” the governor said. “It’s been a great working relationship to make sure that were doing the job people elected us to do.

“I cannot thank the president enough,” added Christie, who’s statement drew a hearty handshake and a “Good job, Chris” from the president as he stepped to the microphone.

As they dropped by the shelter earlier, Obama also went out of his way to salute Christie’s leadership.

“I want to just let you know that your governor is working overtime to make sure that as soon as possible everybody can get back to normal,” Obama told those being housed at a community center northeast of Atlantic City. “The main message I wanted to send is the entire country has been watching what’s been happening. Everybody knows how hard Jersey’s been hit.”

Christie assured the storm victims that Obama’s promises of aid could be counted on. “I know he means it,” the governor said.

Obama’s trip here comes at the end of a four-day hiatus from the campaign trail brought about by Hurricane Sandy. Instead of stumping in swing states, the president presented himself as a man in charge, with the White House releasing photos of him directing the federal storm response in the Situation Room in between visits to the Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters.